Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is known for its stunning waterfront. The historic Pioneer Square is Seattle's 1852 birthplace. Seattle is also the birthplace of Starbucks and the original store continues to serve latte! Pike Place Market is the oldest open-air farmers' market on the West Coast where you can sample a variety of local seafood and shop for arts, crafts and more. You can ride to the top of the Space Needle and view the magnificent panaroma of the city or tour the city's underground and learn about its fascinating history.
Juneau, Alaska
For years Juneau's livelihood, like that of many cities in Alaska, was tied to mining. Because it is Alaska's capital, Juneau prospers through government work and tourism. This is a great place to sample salmon baked over an alderwood fire, pan for gold, and hike the massive Juneau Icefield. If you feel the need for speed, hop on a sled and let a dog team pull you across the surface of a glacier.
A Selection of Tours:
Best of Juneau!
Whale Watching Quest, Mendenhall Glacier & Alaska Salmon Bake
See it all on this ultimate combination tour--you'll start with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to see Alaska's best-known river of ice, talk with Forest Service interpreters and, through interactive exhibits, learn about the awesome force of glaciers, then you'll enjoy the Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will gently maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities. You'll be amazed by the gracefulness of these ocean giants as they slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Beverages and snacks are served on the cruise. Finally, you're off to an outdoor salmon bake at Salmon Creek. An Alaskan feast, this salmon bake features Alaskan-caught wild salmon grilled over an open alderwood fire. Also enjoy Cheechako baked chicken, Bonanza barbecued ribs, Chilkoot baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of fresh salads, corn bread and lemonade, coffee or tea. (Beer and wine are available for an additional charge.) Dine beside Salmon Creek in Southeast Alaska's rain forest and listen to a local musician. After dining, toast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and walk to view the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall beneath which salmon spawn and remnants of the historic Wagner Mine are evident."Guide's Choice" Adventure Hike
Put on your hiking boots and experience a day of world-class hiking. Your guide will select the trail best suited for the group's ability and the day's hiking conditions. You may hike high above a shimmering glacial lake or along a rushing mountain stream, past cascading waterfalls, serene meadows, and quiet forest glens--just a few of the treasured places that can be reached only on foot. Along the way, your naturalist guide will provide knowledge and perspective on the region's natural and cultural history. During much of the hike the views are panoramic, encompassing expanses of glacier-carved wilderness. There are many opportunities for photography along the trail, as well as frequent interpretive stops.Juneau-City, Glacier & Gardens
At Glacier Gardens you will tour a beautiful atrium full of hanging baskets in full bloom. Forest, landscaped gardens and a cascading stream surround the atrium. Take a covered shuttle ride to the top of the mountain via the rain forest, with stops along the way allowing time for discussion of the many varieties of flora and fauna on display. Next you are off to Mendenhall Glacier. Stroll the walkways to the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center to see the glaciology exhibits and film. Then, a short walk along one of the nature trails brings you to within one mile of the face of the glacier for an excellent photo opportunity. Finally, a scenic drive takes you past the University of Alaska's southeast campus, Auke Lake and to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. The facility offers interpretive displays on the lifecycle of salmon. View live adult salmon and more than 100 other species of Alaskan marine life.Historic Juneau Gold Mine Tour
Relive Juneau's mining heritage on this tour of the remains of what was once the world's largest producing gold mill. Constructed in 1913, the Alaska Gastineau Mill was designed to crush and recover gold from 6,000 tons of rock per day. After a short ride to the site of the mill ruins, follow the path of the ore to the railroad superintendent's house. Here, enjoy a display of different mining techniques, equipment and the view of Gastineau Channel below. Venture underground into the conveyer tunnel through which crushed ore was transported to the mill below. Don a hard hat and proceed along a boardwalk into the 360-foot long tunnel carved into the mountainside. Inside, experienced miners will demonstrate mining equipment and give you a feel for the mining lifestyle. Wander among displays, the ruins and the gift shop and take time to pan for gold.
Sitka, Alaska
Bald eagles perch in the spruce and cedar trees of Sitka-often several to a branch. Russian Alaska is enthusiastically represented in a lively performance by the New Archangel Dancers. View holy paintings of the Czarist days, visit recuperating eagles at the rehabilitation center and hear the amazing story of the Cathedral fire and Sitka's mad flurry to save the church's icons and religious treasures.
A Selection of Tours:
Captain's Choice
Wildlife Quest & Beach Trek
Embark on an intimate wildlife viewing adventure aboard a deluxe, 12-person catamaran, and step ashore on a remote island to explore the rugged coast. Your knowledgeable Captain will use his understanding of tides, weather and seasonal conditions to design an expedition uniquely suited to the day. The maneuverability of a waterjet-powered craft will allow you to explore areas unreachable by conventional boat. Whales, sea otters, puffins and brown bear are just a few of the species that thrive in Sitka Sound's pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the Captain will skillfully maneuver the vessel to provide optimal viewing, and an expert naturalist will explain their fascinating life-cycles and behaviors. Next, go ashore on a remote island. Delight in a quiet exploration of colorful tide pools, trace the meandering tracks of wildlife, or settle on a giant beach log to reflect on the stunning beauty around you.Historic Russian America, Raptor Center & Russian Dancers
Visit the historical highlights of this former "Russian Capital" city and tour through the Alaska Raptor "Bald Eagle" Center which operates a program staffed mostly by volunteers who rescue the birds, provide rehabilitative care for them and hopefully release the eagles back to the wild. After your introduction to the Center, you will see a "bird on a glove" presentation, have the chance to view the clinic, outside deck habitat area, the eagle flight center and also photograph the birds throughout the grounds. A stop at St Michael's Cathedral gives you time to explore the first Russian Orthodox cathedral in America, where you will view priceless icons and religious artifacts. You will also visit the Sitka National Historical Park where the 1804 Battle of Alaska was fought, with a chance to view and photograph totems and Cultural Center exhibits. On a brief drive through the historic district, see the Russian Cemetery and Castle Hill, site of the 1867 land transfer ceremony and purchase of Alaska from colonial Russia. End your tour with an authentic Russian Folk Dance performance presented by the New Archangel Russian Dancers.
Victoria, British Columbia
High tea can be taken at the Empress Hotel if you really want to discover what Victoria is all about. Then, walk over to the breathtaking Museum of Natural History or stroll through the charming downtown that lives up to its British-flavored name with double-decker buses, turreted castles, fine British woollens and delicate china. A coach-ride away, the Butchart Garden earns every superlative of its impeccable reputation for glorious blooms and redolent scents.
A Selection of Tours:
Victoria Highlights & Craigdarroch Castle
Discover Victoria's rich history and scenic beauty on a tour of this charming Provincial Capital. Driving through the stately downtown core you will see Government St, the Legislative buildings, and Chinatown's Gates of Harmonious Interest. See the last remnants of Fort Victoria in Olde Towne together with Bastion Square, the home to the "Hanging Judge." Follow Antique Row to Craigdarroch Castle. This Canadian National Historic Site was built in the 1800s. It is a 39-room, 20,000-square-foot mansion featuring only the finest building materials. Marvel at the intricate paneled woodwork, stained glass windows and Victorian-era furniture. Climb the tower for a superb view of the surrounding areas including the Lieutenant Governor's mansion. Marine Drive leads you back to the ship with vistas of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca.Victoria- A City Haunted
Victoria enjoys the reputation of being "Canada's most haunted city," and the cemeteries here overflow with stories of lingering pioneers. On this guided tour, you'll visit Pioneer Square, site of Victoria's first cemetery and the resting place of some famous citizens. Some of Victoria's most intriguing tales are told when darkness falls, and you will use the provided lanterns to tour Ross Bay Cemetery and the Chinese Cemetery, where many of Canada's original Chinese immigrants are interred. Stories abound of haunted homes in James Bay with famous ghosts such as John Helmcken and Emily Carr. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of one of these spectral sights!
